What is “Cortisol belly”?

According to "Affinity Health", the term “cortisol belly” refers to the stubborn fat that builds up around the stomach due to chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels.

While this is not an official medical diagnosis, it’s a phenomenon many health professionals recognise as a common issue in modern lifestyles. So, if you’re eating healthy, exercising regularly, and still struggling with belly fat, stress might be the silent saboteur.

Top 7 signs you might have a cortisol belly

Stubborn belly fat that won’t budge: If no amount of crunches or clean eating seems to shrink your midsection, cortisol could be the reason. Unlike other types of fat, cortisol-related belly fat is particularly resistant to traditional weight-loss methods.
Constant cravings for sugar and fatty foods: Stress-induced cortisol spikes can wreak havoc on your appetite, making you crave sugary and high-fat comfort foods. This happens because cortisol disrupts insulin levels, causing blood sugar imbalances that trigger cravings.
Feeling tired: When cortisol levels are out of balance, they can interfere with your energy levels, leaving you feeling fatigued even after a full night’s sleep. If you often wake up exhausted, stress might be the culprit.
High stress and anxiety levels: Chronic stress can have a compounding effect, increasing feelings of anxiety and irritability. This emotional strain can make it even harder to manage weight.
High blood pressure and insulin resistance: Elevated cortisol can lead to long-term health issues like high blood pressure and insulin resistance, both of which are closely linked to belly fat and metabolic dysfunction.
Poor sleep and restlessness: Cortisol disrupts your sleep-wake cycle, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Poor sleep, in turn, raises cortisol levels even further, creating a vicious cycle.
Digestive issues and bloating: Chronic stress doesn’t just affect your waistline; it can also wreak havoc on your gut health. High cortisol levels can lead to bloating, indigestion, and other digestive issues.

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Cortisol belly: the stress-related weight loss saboteur you didn't know about